#388: The Strategy That's Sabotaging Your Success
Why your perfect plan might be the biggest obstacle to getting things done.
Who hasn't said it? "I just need to strategize a bit before I start." It's a classic line, a verbal smokescreen that allows us to avoid the dreaded "doing."
Let’s be honest with ourselves, you are just procrastinating, right?
The Case for Procrastination:
The Fear Factor: Sometimes, a task is so daunting that the mere thought of it sends shivers down our spines."Strategizing" provides a comforting buffer zone, a mental moat to keep those fearsome thoughts at bay.
I’ve written this before, but if the task is so large that it is scary, break it into smaller pieces. Eat the elephant one bite at a time. Having a vision for a complex project is okay, but if you spend all your time looking to the end, you won’t get there. Take the 1st step, or bite, to get one step closer.
The Perfectionist Trap: We often believe that we must have a perfect plan before we can take action. This can lead to endless strategizing and analysis, delaying the actual work.
Like the fear factor, you are looking for the best way to do something to be the most efficient. Sometimes, it’s okay to say that it’s good enough. Remember the Reid Hoffman quote:
“If you aren't embarrassed by the first version of your product, you shipped too late.”
The Shiny Object Syndrome: Our attention spans can be as fickle as a goldfish. A new idea, a tempting distraction, or a shiny object can quickly derail our best-laid plans.
The answer to this syndrome is one word: F.O.C.U.S.
FOLLOW ONE COURSE UNTIL SUCCESSFUL
I can’t say this enough: stay on task, and don’t let small and lower-priority things distract you. Block off time to work on something, and turn off all your notifications, phone, dings, and dangs on your computer. Shut the door! But FOCUS is the answer to this.
The Case for Strategy:
The Guiding Light: A well-thought-out strategy can provide direction and focus, helping us avoid wasted effort.
The Problem Solver: Strategy can help us anticipate challenges and develop solutions, making the journey smoother.
The Confidence Booster: A solid strategy can boost our confidence and motivation.
While a well-crafted strategy is essential, it's equally important to avoid getting bogged down in endless planning. Here are some signs that you might be over-strategizing:
Analysis paralysis: If you find yourself constantly analyzing and re-analyzing your plan without taking action, it's a sign that you may be stuck in a loop of indecision.
Fear of failure: Excessive planning can sometimes be a way to avoid the risk of failure. If your fear of making mistakes prevents you from taking action, it's time to reassess your approach.
Lack of progress: If your strategy is not producing tangible results, it may be time to reevaluate your approach or seek external input.
When to pull the trigger:
Clear goals: Once you understand your objectives and the steps required to achieve them, it's time to start taking action.
First steps clear: Once you have a firm grasp on how you will start, kick off the project. Momentum builds from that point on.
Minimal viable product: If you're working on a new project, consider launching a minimal viable product (MVP) to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments before investing significant resources. Remember, time is the most valuable resource you have. Getting to market with a prototype can be as, or even more important that a fully hardened project.
Risk tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance and comfort level with uncertainty. While being prepared is essential, it's also crucial to avoid becoming paralyzed by fear.
Remember, developing a strategy aims to provide a roadmap, not a guarantee of success. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by doing. Trust your instincts, take calculated risks, and be willing to adapt your strategy as needed.
By understanding the potential pitfalls of over-strategizing and embracing a proactive mindset, you can harness the power of both strategy and action to achieve your goals. Remember, the journey is often more important than the destination. So, stop planning and start doing!
At the Kole Performance Group, we know that hard work today will improve your tomorrow! If you are stuck and unsure of the next steps, contact us for a quick 30-minute session to see how we can kick your project into gear.